Thanks For The Help On Taxes

THANKS FOR THE HELP ON TAXES

June 2004

Once upon a time the government had a vast scrap yard in the middle of a desert. Congress said someone may steal from it at night; so they created a night watchman, GS-4 position and hired a person for the job.

Then Congress said, How does the watchman do his job without instruction?" So they created a planning position and hired two (2) people, one person to write the instructions, GS-12 and one person to do time studies, GS-11. Then Congress said, "How will we know the night watchman is doing the tasks correctly?"

So they created a Q. C. position and hired two (2) people, one GS-9 to do the studies and one GS-11 to write the reports. Then Congress said, "How are these people going to get paid?" so they created the following positions, a time keeper, GS-09, and a payroll officer, GS-11, and hired two (2) people.

Then Congress said, "Who will be accountable for all of these people?" So they created an administrative position and hired three (3) people, an Admin. Officer GM-13, Assistant Admin. Officer GS-12, and a Legal Secretary GS-08.

Then Congress said, "We have had this command in operation for one year and we are $18,000 over budget, we must cutback overall cost,"

So they laid off the night watchman.

I hope that our next federal gov’t would be using our tax money in a better way. Hope you will cast a vote for a responsible and wise govt. But today, I am just grateful to all of you here who has given up time and energy to be here to help people get their taxes down. I wonder if you know that what you did to help folks with their taxes is actually a thing that Jesus Himself was proud to do. Did you know He supported the paying of taxes? If you would, would you hear me as I read a story from the Bible?

15Then the Pharisees met together to think of a way to trap Jesus into saying something for which they could accuse him. 16They decided to send some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to ask him this question: "Teacher, we know how honest you are. You teach about the way of God regardless of the consequences. You are impartial and don’t play favorites.

(These guys where sneaky, after trying to butter up Jesus, moving in for the kill)

17Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?"

(if Jesus say pay tax – that means he supports the hugely unpopular rule of their foreign conqueror, the Romans. Sort of like how pro Saddam Iraqis feel about the American occupation of Iraq. What?!! support the evil empire? If He says no tax then they will report Him as unpatriotic to their fellow Jews, unconcerned with those who suffered under their harsh rule. What makes this all the more sinister is there is this coalition, cooperation of the Pharisees who were patriots, ardent nationalists, and the Herodians who were living in the lap of luxury as a puppet government of the Romans.

18But Jesus knew their evil motives. "You hypocrites!" he said. "Whom are you trying to fool with your trick questions? 19Here, show me the Roman coin used for the tax." When they handed him the coin, 20he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?"

21"Caesar’s," they replied.

"Well, then," he said, "give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." 22His reply amazed them, and they went away. Matt.22:15-22 (NLT)

Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s! Perhaps you have heard of that line before. Yes, Jesus never did advocate not paying your taxes. God ordained governments, and they need money to govern, built roads, protect us etc. But I think the piercing question that Jesus addressed the co-conspirators was - have you given to God what is God’s?

A very successful lawyer parked his brand new Lexus in front of the office, ready to show it off to his colleagues. As he got out, a truck came along, too close to the curb, and completely tore off the driver’s door of the Lexus.

The counselor immediately grabbed his cell phone, dialed 911, and it wasn’t more than 5 minutes before a policeman pulled up. Before the cop had a chance to ask any questions, the lawyer started screaming hysterically.

His Lexus, which he had just picked up the day before, was now completely ruined and would never be the same, no matter how the body shop tried to make it new again.

After the lawyer finally wound down from his rant, the cop shook his head in disgust and disbelief. "I can’t believe how materialistic you lawyers are," he said. "You are so focused on your possessions that you neglect the most important things in life."